5 Most Popular Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures

When you improve your appearance with cosmetic dentistry, you also make improvements to your smile. Cosmetic dentistry includes several procedures that enhance the appearance of your smile. Even small improvements can have an overwhelmingly positive impact on your self-esteem and confidence levels. From improving your smile's ability to function and helping you feel more confident, cosmetic dentistry offers a number of benefits.

Common Cosmetic Dentistry Procedures

Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is one of the most common cosmetic dentistry procedures in the U.S., and it's easy to understand why. Virtually everyone wants whiter teeth. With professional teeth whitening, patients see dramatic results.

At-home whitening treatments use whitening gels that patients apply directly to their dental trays and wear for a specified amount of time each day. The process usually takes about two to three weeks, depending on the patient's level of staining.

During in-office teeth whitening, the dental team applies a stronger whitening gel to the surface of the teeth. Then, a special light is used to activate the gel. The light speeds up the reaction, allowing patients to see results much faster than they would with at-home whitening.

Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are thin shells of tooth-colored material custom-made to fit over a tooth's surface to hide cosmetic imperfections, such as chips, cracks, stains, or gaps. Each tooth veneer is bonded to the front of the tooth, appearing white and straight. Veneers made of porcelain can be matched to light shades of white to blend in with the natural tooth color, while resin veneers can be matched to dark shades of white to hide discoloration.

Dental Crowns

Dental crowns (or caps) are one of the most common cosmetic dentistry procedures. A dental crown can be used to restore a tooth's size, shape, strength, and appearance.

A dental crown is often placed to repair a tooth that is cracked, severely worn down, or damaged by tooth decay. A crown may also be used to cover a dental implant.

Dental Bridges

A bridge is a type of dental restoration that bridges the gap between teeth. It can replace one or more missing teeth, usually between one and three. The dental bridge procedure takes two visits to complete. At the first visit, the teeth are prepared, and impressions are taken. Temporary restorations, or crowns, are placed to protect the teeth while the dental bridge is being made. When the dental bridge is ready, the temporary restorations are replaced with permanent ones.

Dental Bonding

Dental bonding is the application of a tooth-colored resin material to the surface of the tooth. The resin material can be shaped and polished to match the rest of the tooth.

Dental bonding is an affordable way to improve the appearance of your teeth. It is a suitable solution for minor cosmetic flaws, including small chips or cracks, discoloration, or slight spacing issues. The resin material comes in many different shades, so your dentist can match the resin to your natural teeth.

To learn more, please schedule an appointment online or call All Smiles Family Dentistry at (319) 553-3085 to have a consultation with Dr. Jennifer A. Stevenson or Dr. Sarah Cyr, and we will be happy to help.